Local Government of Papua New Guinea

Ministry: Provincial and Local Government Affairs

There are three spheres of government in Papua New Guinea: national, provincial and local, as provided for by the constitution. Local government is provided for by the Organic Law on Provincial Governments and Local-Level Governments 1995; and the Local-Level Governments Administration Act 1997. The Minister of Provincial and Local Government Affairs is responsible for local government, which comprises 325 local-level governments in 89 districts. Local elections are held every five years.

The provincial governments can levy taxes and are responsible for local education, industry and business development. The local-level governments also have revenue-raising powers, and collect local taxes and fees, receiving transfers from the national government to cover salaries and development projects. They are responsible for water supply and, jointly with provincial governments, for health and environmental protection, waste disposal, roads and economic promotion.